Jean Baptiste Biloa | Soil fertility | Best Researcher Award

 Mr. Jean Baptiste Biloa | Soil fertility | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jean Baptiste Biloa, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Cameroon

Jean Baptiste Biloa is an agro-pedologist and soil scientist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Cameroon. His expertise lies in soil fertility, plant nutrition, and environmental modeling, with a strong background in soil classification, agroforestry systems, and natural resource management. He has contributed to several research projects on soil characterization, cocoa agroforestry, and agricultural sustainability. Jean Baptiste holds a Master’s in Earth Sciences from the University of Yaoundé 1 and is completing a PhD in Agro-pedology. He is skilled in GIS, data analysis, hydrological modeling, and geophysical studies. A member of various professional organizations, he actively works on advancing sustainable soil management in tropical ecosystems.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Mr. Jean Baptiste Biloa is a highly competent agro-pedologist and soil scientist with significant contributions to soil fertility, cocoa agroforestry systems, and environmental modeling. His research has practical implications for sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, supported by strong technical expertise and leadership in soil science organizations.

🎓 Education

Jean Baptiste Biloa has an extensive academic background in agro-pedology and soil sciences. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences from the University of Yaoundé 1 in 2014, followed by a Master’s degree in Earth Sciences in 2015. He has pursued a PhD in Agro-pedology at the same university since 2019, with his defense pending. His academic training has provided him with a strong foundation in soil fertility, plant nutrition, and environmental modeling.

💼Experience

Jean Baptiste Biloa has accumulated years of experience in soil sciences, research, teaching, and consultancy. From 2023 to 2024, he served as a Soil Resources Expert for the Soil, Water, and Climate Project (ProSEC) at the German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR). In this role, he managed soil sample analyses, installed agro-meteorological stations and soil sensors in Cameroon and Germany, and trained IRAD staff in soil water modeling using Hydrus 1D. From 2022 to 2023, he worked as a Temporary Lecturer at the University of Ebolowa, ENSET, and ISABEE, where he taught general pedology, agro-pedology, and environmental science.

🔬Research Focus

Jean Baptiste Biloa’s research interests are centered on soil fertility, plant nutrition, and environmental modeling. His work explores the variability of soil organic carbon and nutrient content across different agricultural systems, the impact of land use changes on soil quality, and the role of agroforestry in soil fertility management. He has conducted hydrological and hydrogeological studies and examined the influence of factors such as cocoa farm age, slope, and shade on soil fertility. His research contributes to sustainable agricultural practices and improved soil management strategies.

🛠️Skills

He possesses strong skills in environmental modeling using Hydrus 1D, SWAT, and AquaCrop, as well as mapping tools such as Global Mapper, Surfer, and Google Earth. His data analysis expertise includes proficiency in XLSTAT, R, JMP SAS, JAMOVI, ODK, and Kobo Collect. He is experienced in soil classification systems such as WRB, CPCS, Soil Taxonomy, and FAO standards. Additionally, he has hands-on knowledge of integrated soil fertility management, geophysical techniques for mineral prospecting, and the use of GPS for field data collection.

🏆Awards

Jean Baptiste Biloa has earned several professional certifications that complement his expertise in soil sciences. In 2021, he obtained a Certificate in Environmental Technology. He was also recognized with the Inspire Hackathon Innovation Award in 2020. In 2019, he received multiple certifications, including Open Data Management for Agriculture, Nutrition, and Land (GODAN/FAO), Global Access to Agricultural Research (AGORA), and Agricultural Data Management, Sharing, and Services for Agricultural Development (FAO).

📚 Publications

  • Title: Influence of cocoa farm age, slope, and shade rate on cocoa soils fertility.
  • Author: iloa, J. B., Abossolo, A. M., Giweta, M. H., Onana, A. A., & Masso, M. C. 
  •  Journal: Environmental Challenges
  • Year: 2025

Conclusion:

Mr. Jean Baptiste Biloa is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His dedication to soil fertility management and agricultural sustainability aligns well with global research priorities. While further enhancing his citation impact, grant funding, and interdisciplinary collaborations could solidify his position as a leading researcher, his current track record already demonstrates exceptional merit and potential for this recognition.

Alemayehu kiflu | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alemayehu kiflu | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alemayehu Kiflu, Hawassa University, Ethiopia

Dr. Alemayehu Kiflu is a Lecturer and Researcher at Hawassa University, Ethiopia, specializing in soil science. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from Hawassa University, where he also completed his MSc. His research focuses on soil chemistry, fertility, classification, and land use impacts on soil properties. Dr. Kiflu has expertise in soil survey, sampling techniques, and laboratory analysis, including spectrophotometric methods. He has published extensively on phosphorus dynamics, soil reclamation, and problem soils in Ethiopia. With over 15 years of academic experience, he plays a key role in teaching and advancing soil research for sustainable agriculture.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Alemayehu Kiflu is a highly qualified researcher with a strong track record in soil science. His research contributions have addressed critical issues related to soil fertility, acid soil management, and land use impacts. His expertise in laboratory techniques and field studies, combined with his extensive teaching experience, positions him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

Alemayehu Kiflu holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from Hawassa University, which he completed in April 2018. Prior to that, he earned his MSc in Soil Science from the same university in 2007. His academic journey began with a BA degree in Geography from Bahir Dar University, awarded in 2003.

💼Experience

Since July 2007, Alemayehu has been serving as a Lecturer and Researcher at Hawassa University, College of Agriculture. He has played a key role in teaching various Soil Science courses and has held multiple positions within the university. His research contributions primarily focus on soil chemistry, genesis, and fertility, where he has actively participated in numerous studies.

🔬Research Focus

Alemayehu’s research primarily revolves around soil chemistry, fertility, and classification. He has extensively studied the effects of different land use systems on soil properties, the characterization of problem soils in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, and phosphorus availability in acid and sodic soils under various reclamation approaches. His work contributes to soil management strategies aimed at improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.

🛠️Skills

Alemayehu possesses strong laboratory skills and is proficient in operating various soil science laboratory instruments, including Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers and Spectrophotometers. His expertise extends to fieldwork, particularly in soil classification, soil survey, and sampling techniques, which are crucial for soil research and management.

🏆Awards

His contributions to soil science have been recognized through his extensive research and publications, particularly in the areas of land use effects on soil properties, soil fertility management, and phosphorus fractionation in different soil conditions.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Interactions among Acid Soil Management Practices Enhance Grain Yield and Economic Benefit of Barley Production

    • Authors: C. Adamu, Chigign; W.G. Worku, Walelign Girmay; B. Abate, Berhanu; A. Kiflu, Alemayehu
    • Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
    • Year: 2025
  • Title: Morphological and physiological plasticity of tomato in response to Azolla fern, a novel organic fertilizer of environmentally friendliness

    • Authors: Y.G. Zeleke, Yenetiru Getaw; A. Haile, Ashenafi; A. Kiflu, Alemayehu; H. Alemayehu, Habtamu
    • Journal: Heliyon
    • Year: 2024

Conclusion:

Dr. Alemayehu Kiflu is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. However, to further strengthen his profile, he could enhance his research visibility, secure more funding, and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations. Overall, his work significantly contributes to sustainable agriculture and soil management, making him a deserving nominee for this recognition.

Lili Dong | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lili Dong | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lili Dong, Shenyang Agricultural University, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lili Dong is a researcher at Shenyang Agricultural University, China, specializing in ecology, biogeochemical cycles, and soil carbon dynamics. She holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from Northeast Forestry University and has conducted extensive research on litter decomposition, soil respiration, and the effects of nitrogen deposition on ecosystems. With experience as a research assistant at the Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, she has led and contributed to multiple national and international research projects. Dr. Dong has received prestigious awards, including the Liang Xi Youth Science and Technology Award, and has published widely in high-impact journals on ecological processes and environmental sustainability.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Lili Dong is a highly accomplished researcher in ecological sciences with a strong publication record, competitive research funding, and international collaborations. Her work has significantly contributed to understanding soil carbon dynamics, nitrogen deposition, and ecosystem processes. She has received prestigious awards and recognition for her research excellence, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

 

🎓 Education

Lili Dong obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Information Engineering from Xinyang Normal University (2004–2008). She then pursued a Master’s degree in Phytochemistry at Northeast Forestry University (2009–2012) and later completed her Ph.D. in Ecology at the same university (2014–2017).

💼Experience

Since July 2017, Lili Dong has been a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. In September 2019, she was appointed as a Research Assistant at the same institute. She also gained overseas experience in 2019 through a research stay at the University of Minnesota.

🔬Research Focus

Her research primarily revolves around the carbon cycle, biogeochemical processes, litter decomposition, soil respiration, and ecological responses to global change. She is particularly interested in the effects of nitrogen deposition, especially organic nitrogen, on ecological processes and soil carbon pools. Her studies involve long-term field experiments in grasslands and forests in China, exploring the impact of different forms of nitrogen on litter decomposition and ecosystem functions. Additionally, she investigates the relationship between forest evolution and species secondary metabolites.

Awards

She has received several prestigious awards, including the Liang Xi Youth Science and Technology Award (Second Prize, 2019), the Science and Technology Award of Heilongjiang Province (Third Prize, 2018), and the First Prize of the Science and Technology Award of Provincial University (2018). She was also recognized with the Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award and Outstanding Graduate Award from Heilongjiang Province and Northeast Forestry University in 2012.

Skills

Lili Dong is skilled in ecological research, soil and litter decomposition analysis, biogeochemical assessments, data interpretation, and scientific communication. She has extensive experience in field experiments, laboratory techniques, and interdisciplinary collaborations within environmental sciences.

Publications

 

  • Title: Deep return of straw improves topsoil health and maize productivity more efficiently than shallow return
    Authors: J. Li, X.X. Jin, J. Li, L. Dong, H. Zou
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Soil Use and Management

 

  • Title: Patterns and controlling factors of decomposition in distal shoot systems by branch order across 10 temperate tree species
    Authors: W. Gu, B. Berg, L. Dong, F.J. Yang, T. Sun
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Plant and Soil

 

Conclusion:

 Dr. Lili Dong is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Enhancing her leadership in large-scale projects, mentoring activities, and policy-oriented research could further strengthen her profile. However, her current track record already places her among top researchers in her field.